Tag Archives: Airbus A321neo

Qatar Airways has reconfirmed and upsized its earlier order for 50 Airbus A320neo with a firm order instead for 50 of the larger Airbus A321neo ACF (Airbus Cabin Flex configuration).

This updated order replaces the original one placed in 2011.

Joining Qatar Airways’ fleet of 50 A320neo from 2019 onwards, the A321neo ACF will support the continuous development of Qatar Airways’ global network leveraging from the A321neo range capability and the unprecedented customer experience. The total value of the deal is at $6.35 billion at list prices.

The airline will also soon welcome the Airbus A350-1000.

The A321 is the largest member of the A320 Family, seating up to 240 passengers. Incorporating the latest engines, aerodynamic advances, and cabin innovations, the A321neo offers a significant reduction in fuel consumption of at least 15 per cent per seat from day one and 20 per cent by 2020.

The A321neo ACF introduces new door and fuselage enhancements, allowing airlines to make better use of the cabin space and also provide provision for more underfloor fuel capacity for up to 4,000nm transatlantic range.

Qatar Airways will be adding flights to many more destinations to its network throughout the remainder of this year and 2018, including St. Petersburg, Russia; Canberra, Australia; and Cardiff, UK.

Hawaiian Airlines on November 16, 2017 welcomed to Honolulu the first of 18 Airbus A321neo aircraft (A321-271N N202HA, msn 7917) that will shortly begin flying between Hawai‘i and the U.S. West Coast. The company’s new fleet of single-aisle aircraft will offer guests non-stop flights to more islands, starting with service to Kaua‘i, Maui, and the Kona Coast on the Island of Hawai‘i.

Hawaiian held a blessing ceremony for its first A321neo, “Maile,” named after a vine native to Hawaii and traditionally used for lei making and celebrations. Fittingly, Hawaiian’s A321neo is adorned with a new livery featuring a silver maile lei wrapping around the fuselage as the carrier’s “Flower of the Sky” Pualani icon gazes forward from the tail of the aircraft.

Hawaiian’s inaugural A321neo flight is scheduled for January 8, 2018 on the carrier’s existing Kahului-Oakland route. New A321neo service between Kahului and Portland will launch on January 18, 2018. Hawaiian’s seasonal summer wide-body service currently offered between Līhu‘e and Oakland will resume April 11, 2018 as a daily A321neo flight. Daily service between Kona and Los Angeles launches March 11, 2018 with wide-body aircraft before converting to the A321neo in the summer.

The mid-range A321neo aircraft will complement Hawaiian’s fleet of long-haul, twin-aisle aircraft used for service between Hawai‘i and 11 U.S. gateway cities, along with 10 international destinations. The airline’s narrow-body Boeing 717 fleet offers approximately 170 flights between the Hawaiian Islands.

Powered by Pratt & Whitney PurePowerr® Geared Turbofan™ (GTF) engines and incorporating the latest in aerodynamics, the A321neo is the quietest and most fuel efficient aircraft in its class, leading to 16 percent lower fuel burn and carbon emissions over previous generation aircraft.

The aircraft also benefits from the company’s MultiScan™ ThreatTrack weather radar, which alerts flight crews of potentially disruptive weather, allowing for smoother flights and more on-time arrivals.

In other news, Hawaiian Airlines also announced the planned retirement of Mark Dunkerley, president and chief executive officer (center above), and the selection of Peter Ingram, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, to replace Dunkerley, effective March 1, 2018.

Dunkerley’s departure will end 15 years of leadership during which the company executed a remarkable turnaround to become one of the world’s most successful airlines. During Dunkerley’s tenure, Hawaiian Airlines successfully embarked on a bold Asia-Pacific growth strategy, adding service to Tokyo, Osaka and Sapporo, Japan; Seoul, South Korea; and Beijing, China as well as new routes to Auckland, New Zealand; Sydney and Brisbane, Australia; and New York City.

Since December 2002 Hawaiian has doubled the number of passengers flown annually, to 11 million. Over the same period the company’s gross revenues have increased four-fold, to $2.64 billion and its employee count has doubled, to 6,600. Its share price has risen from a 52-week low of 29 cents in 2003 to a high of $60.90 over the last 52-week period.

“This has been a heart-wrenching decision,” said Dunkerley, who joined Hawaiian in December 2002. “I am so proud to be associated with this company and our employees. Hawaiian Airlines is truly in a class of its own, distinguished by all the employees I am honored to call my colleagues. At the same time, I am excited by the new opportunities ahead of me and I am confident that Peter Ingram and the team will lead the company to further success.”

Chairman of the Board Lawrence Hershfield thanked Dunkerley for turning Hawaiian from a struggling local carrier to a global industry leader and also for ensuring a smooth leadership transition. “Mark’s abilities as an airline chief executive are evident in the phenomenal growth and success of Hawaiian Airlines over the course of his leadership,” said Hershfield. “It is also a measure of his commitment to Hawaiian that in extending his tenure for 14 months he gave the Board time to consider options for his prospective replacement.”

Continued Hershfield: “Peter Ingram has been an important part of Hawaiian Airlines’ growth and success for the past 12 years, and we are confident in his deep knowledge of the airline, the industry and the community.”

Ingram joined Hawaiian as chief financial officer in December 2005, six months after its emergence from Chapter 11 Reorganization. In 2011, Ingram became chief commercial officer, overseeing marketing and sales, revenue management and network planning, loyalty programs and cargo during a period of rapid revenue growth for Hawaiian.

“I am humbled by the Board’s confidence in me and excited by the opportunity to lead an incredible team as Hawaiian’s CEO,” said Ingram. “Mark has been an inspirational leader for our company and mentor to me and many others and I will be proud to continue pursuing the strategy for growth and success that we have been following for the last several years.”

Hawaiian Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Hawaiian Airlines, Inc., reported its financial results for the third quarter of 2017.

Third Quarter 2017 – Key Financial Metrics

GAAP

YoY Change

Adjusted

YoY Change

Net Income

$74.6M

($27.9M)

$102.6M

$(0.5)M

Diluted EPS

$1.39

($0.52)

$1.92

$—

Pre-tax Margin

16.6%

(7.8) pts.

22.8%

(1.8) pts.

“The third quarter’s excellent results add to the great year we are having,” said Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian Airlines president and CEO. “Apart from the helpful environment characterized by low fuel prices, manageable industry capacity and strong demand for the Hawaii vacation, our team is doing a terrific job improving the company and widening the gap between us and our competitors.”

Statistical information, as well as a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures, can be found in the accompanying tables.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

On October 12, 2017, the Company announced the initiation of a quarterly cash dividend of 12 cents per share to be paid on November 30, 2017 to all stockholders of record as of November 17, 2017.

In addition, the Company repurchased approximately 1.1 million shares of common stock for approximately $46.2 million in the third quarter, which leaves $49.5 million remaining under its share repurchase program.

As of September 30, 2017, the Company had:

Unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $619 million

Outstanding debt and capital lease obligations of $506 million

Third Quarter 2017 Highlights

People

Contributed $134.6 million during the quarter to employee benefit plans, comprised of a one-time payment of $18.5 million to fully fund and terminate the Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. Salaried & IAM Merged Pension Plan, a one-time payment of $101.9 million to settle a portion of the post-65 medical plan obligation in connection with the ratification of a contract amendment with the Air Line Pilots Association, representing its pilots, and a contribution of approximately $14.2 million, $12.7 million above the minimum required, to further reduce pension obligations.

Operational

Ranked #1 nationally for on-time performance for the months of June, July, and August 2017 as reported in the U.S. Department of Transportation Air Travel Consumer Report.

Partnerships

Announced a new partnership with Japan Airlines (JAL) that provides for extensive code sharing, lounge access and frequent flyer program reciprocity, taking effect on March 25, 2018 (subject to government approval). Also announced the intention to establish a joint venture with JAL designed to provide even more choices, convenience and enhancements to the traveling public to/from Japan and beyond to multiple Asian markets.

Increased frequencies

Announced the expansion of non-stop service between Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) and New Zealand’s Auckland Airport (AKL) with up to five non-stop flights weekly beginning March 2018.

Product and loyalty

Continued remodeling the A330 fleet with the addition of lie flat premium seats and increased Extra Comfort capacity. Also announced the introduction of remodeled A330 aircraft to its non-stop service between Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) and Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport (CTS) starting February 2018.

Fleet and financing

Took delivery of its 24th A330-200 in September.

Took delivery of its first ATR 72 turboprop aircraft in an all-cargo configuration in September.

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2017 Outlook

The table below summarizes the Company’s expectations for the fourth quarter and full year ending December 31, 2017, expressed as an expected percentage change compared to the results for the quarter and full year ended December 31, 2016, as applicable.

The Company has revised its guidance range for economic fuel cost per gallon for the full year ending December 31, 2017 due to higher than expected year-to-date fuel costs and the forward fuel price curve as of October 9, 2017. The Company is also providing a guidance range for operating revenue per ASM and has adjusted its guidance ranges for cost per ASM excluding fuel and special Items, ASMs, and gallons of jet fuel consumed for the full year ending December 31, 2017.

Three years after launching as an exclusively business-class boutique airline with trans-Atlantic routes on July 4 2014, and a year since doubling its daily flights between New York and Paris, La Compagnie is accelerating its development with an order of two Airbus A321neo aircrafts. This investment in the new Airbus aircraft marks a major milestone for the still-young boutique airline, revealing stable growth and progressive future development.

Due for delivery in 2019, the thoroughly modern, efficient and eco-friendly A321neos will take La Compagnie’s in-flight business-class experience to new heights with the latest technologies, Wi-Fi service and “full-flat” beds, ensuring passengers are well-connected and well-rested upon arrival in New York or Paris.

The choice of the French aeronautical firm Airbus, which is headquartered in Blagnac and has manufacturing facilities across Europe and around the world, strengthens La Compagnie’s “French-in-spirit” philosophy that has made the carrier so desirable for intercontinental passengers.

The two Airbus A321neos will be introduced to the La Compagnie fleet in 2019 with a full business-class configuration and the most attractive fares on the market.

Hawaiian Airlines (Honolulu) has announced the first schedules for its upcoming new Airbus A321neo aircraft. The first A321 daily route will be between Kahului, Maui and Portland, Oregon starting on January 18, 2018.

The second route will be between Kona, Hawaii and Los Angeles starting on March 11, 2018.

The third route will connect Lihue, Kauai with Oakland commencing on April 11, 2018.

The airline issued this statement:

Hawaiian Airlines will expand its U.S. West Coast presence with the arrival of an A321neo fleet by adding three new nonstop daily routes early next year: Portland-Maui; Oakland-Kaua‘i; and Los Angeles-Kona.

The new A321neo service between Portland (PDX) and Maui (OGG) will launch on January 18. Hawaiian’s seasonal widebody service currently offered between Oakland (OAK) and Kaua‘i (LIH) through September 4 will resume April 11 as a daily A321neo flight. Daily service between Los Angeles (LAX) and Kona (KOA) on the Island of Hawai‘i launches March 11 with widebody aircraft before the A321neo is introduced in the summer of 2018.

Hawaiian’s inaugural A321neo flight between the U.S. West Coast and Hawai‘i is planned for January 8 on its existing OAK-OGG service. Additional routes will be announced as Hawaiian welcomes 18 new A321neo aircraft between the fourth quarter of 2017 and 2020.

Hawaiian’s signature style flows throughout the A321neo’s three cabins, including 16 luxurious leather recliners in the Premium Cabin, 45 Extra Comfort premium economy seats, and 128 Economy class seats. All seats are equipped with complimentary high-power USB outlets for device charging, while guests in the Premium Cabin and Extra Comfort seats will enjoy access to an additional AC power outlet. Pivoting overhead bins maximize the space for carry-on luggage.

Hawaiian carefully designed its A321neo cabin interiors with textiles and materials that reflect traditional island crafts, from bark cloth (kapa) to fishing nets, and even LED lighting mirroring Hawai‘i’s idyllic sunrises and sunsets.

New to Hawaiian’s guest experience, the A321neo will feature wireless streaming in-flight entertainment. Guests will be able to simply download an application on their personal electronic devices to enjoy a wide selection of complimentary and premium content, including movies, TV shows, music and other exclusive programming. Holders for personal hand-held devices and tablets will be integrated into the tray tables of the Premium Cabin as well as the first row of Extra Comfort, and built into the backrest of all other seats.

The A321neo boasts the quietest and most fuel-efficient engines for this aircraft type, along with aerodynamic wingtips called Sharklets that significantly reduce carbon emissions.

Wow Air, the Icelandic low-fare carrier, has taken delivery of its first A321neo (A321-253N TF-SKY, msn 7694) at a ceremony during the 52nd Le Bourget Paris airshow. The aircraft was officially handed over to the airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Skúli Mogensen. The aircraft leased from Air Lease Corporation will join WOW air’s existing all Airbus Fleet of 15 A320 Family aircraft.

The aircraft, powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines, is configured in a comfortable 218 seat layout. WOW air’s A321neo will be based at Keflavik airport in Iceland and operate commercial flights from Europe to North America.

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Hawaiian Airlines has revealed its new cabin design for its new Airbus A321neo fleet arriving later this year. According to the carrier, the “Signature features of the interior concept and enhanced service evoke the natural splendor of Hawai’i through color and form, bringing the outdoors in and extending “island time” from the moment a guest steps onboard.”

The carrier continued;

The medium-haul, single-aisle A321neo aircraft will usher in Hawaiian’s next growth era when they enter the carrier’s Western U.S. network. The A321neos will complement Hawaiian’s fleet of long-haul, twin-aisle aircraft used for flying between Hawai’i and the U.S. Mainland and 11 international destinations, and its narrow-body Boeing 717 fleet flying short, interisland routes.

Hawaiian’s recent Boeing 717 and Airbus A330 aircraft cabin redesigns further differentiate its premium leisure product, creating a contemporary design language of “Earth, Sea and Sky” that is interconnected throughout the fleet. The new interior of the mid-range A321neo completes the evolution of that design philosophy, with each interior carefully tailored to the emotional journeys and ergonomic needs of a variety of travelers.

Guests will enjoy the choice of three cabin products, with intuitive and comfortable seating provided by B/E Aerospace. The Premium Cabin will be luxuriously appointed with leather recliners, thoughtful design details and a custom lighting fixture incorporating Hawaiian’s signature ‘wave’ motif. The 45 Extra Comfort premium economy seats will offer five more inches of legroom, priority boarding and other perks. Seats in all cabins will be equipped with complimentary high-power USB outlets for device charging, while guests in the Premium Cabin and Extra Comfort seats will enjoy access to an additional AC power outlet. Pivoting overhead bins maximize the amount of space available for carry-on luggage.